INAS 335 "The Ospreys" Take Flight at INS Hansa: Boosting The Indian Navy's Western Air Dominance Capabilities
The Indian Navy marked a decisive stride in strengthening its naval aviation arm with the commissioning of INAS 335 ‘The Ospreys’, its second squadron of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, at INS Hansa, Goa, on 17 December 2025. The induction significantly enhances the Navy’s aerial reach and operational dominance along the western seaboard.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, highlighting the Navy’s steady transition towards advanced, multi-role aviation platforms. This milestone follows the induction of the first MH-60R squadron at Kochi in March 2024, reinforcing the Navy’s phased modernisation strategy.
A Ceremony Rooted in Naval Tradition
During the formal proceedings, the Commissioning Warrant was read out by Captain Dhirender Bisht, Commanding Officer of INAS 335. The Commissioning Plaque was unveiled by Mrs Laila Swaminathan, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (Western Region). The ceremony culminated with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolising the squadron’s formal entry into active service.
Senior naval leadership present at the event included Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command; Vice Admiral Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command; Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area and Flag Officer Naval Aviation; and Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff.
MH-60R Seahawk: Power with Precision
The MH-60R Seahawk is a next-generation, all-weather, multi-role helicopter designed for round-the-clock maritime operations. Its operational roles include:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
- Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)
With the operationalisation of INAS 335, the Indian Navy gains a substantial boost in surveillance coverage, strike capability, and rapid response reach across the Western Maritime Theatre of Operations.
Securing the Seas, Strengthening the Future
The commissioning of ‘The Ospreys’ reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering focus on capability enhancement, force multiplication, and maritime security. As strategic challenges in the Indian Ocean Region continue to evolve, the Navy remains ready—equipped with cutting-edge platforms and driven by operational excellence—to safeguard national maritime interests beyond the horizon.
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